Entry-level BMW Three for SA
2012-09-05 09:43
NEW ENTRY TO THREE: A 316i model will be introduced to BMW's 3 Series range. It will be available in SA from 2013.
BMW has announced a range of changes to its model range, starting with November 2012 production, although only a few will be heading to South Africa.
The German automaker will offer a number of new options across its 1 and 3 Series although not all will be heading to South Africa. Sad.
316i ENTRY POINT
Changes in the pipeline include a new 114d entry model for the 1 Series, 316i and 320i EfficientDynamics models for the 3 Series sedan and new engines for the 3 Series Touring.
BMW SA has, however, confirmed only the 316i sedan will be introduced here, while the three-door 1 Series is still on course for local introduction “towards the end of the month”.
The 316i, as the new entry point to the 3 Series, has a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine equipped with TwinPower Turbo technology. Its maximum power output is 100kW with peak torque of 220Nm and power is transferred to the rear wheels by a six-speed manual transmission. Buyers will have the option of an eight-speed auto.
PROFESSIONAL NAV
According to BMW, the 316i takes 8.9 seconds to accelerate to 100km/h and top speed is 210km/h. Average fuel consumption is around 5.9 litres/100km, the automaker said.
The 316i sedan will be sold in South Africa in 2013.
Furthermore, the latest generation of BMW’s Professional satnav will be available across the range. The new system has a more powerful processor, modified display and controls along with extra navigation, office and multimedia functions.
Route guidance graphics and interactive map views have also been modified, BMW said. The new system is also able to simultaneously pair two cellphones via Bluetooth.
The 114d derivative (in three and five-door versions) and the 3 Series Touring will not be sold in South Africa.
